Page 83 of Royal Havoc

Before I can speak, my phone vibrates on the table, bursting our bubble. Quickly, I break from his arms, swiping away the useless tears. Seeing the name on the display makes me smile.

I wipe my nose with the back of my hand and clear the evidence of the tears from my throat before swiping the screen. “Miss me?” I joke into the phone, turning my back on Vex’s scowling face.

“Something like that,” Nolan answers. “More like checking on… How’s the grades?” he asks.

His question sparks a thought, bringing me back full circle. “Good. Actually, I’m getting ready to meet one of my teachers,” I answer defiantly, spinning around, meeting Vex’s steely glare.

He reaches for the phone, but I’m quicker, backing away and scurrying around the opposite side of the table.

“Really —”

“I gotta go, Nolan. I’m in a rush.”

“Of course you are.”

“Talk later,” I huff, ending the call as I run into the bedroom, hoping to beat Vex and lock him out.

His hand presses on the wood before I can get the door shut. “The fuck? I told you you’re not going to meet Brickman,” he rasps angrily, shoving past me.

I stomp from the door to the walk-in closet. “Go play with your skank. I’m all good,” I call over my shoulder, ripping clothes from their hangers and shelves, making a mess in my fit of rage.

He leans on the doorway, casually crossing his arms. “Fine. I’ll go with you.” He shrugs.

Obnoxiously shaking my head, laughing like a lunatic at his threat. “Fuck you, I don’t need an escort.” Spinning on my heel. “Besides, girls aren’t allowed at your precious signing, remember? Jackasses only,” I seethe, throwing every bit of my anger at him.

Our morning started off so good until Vex had to be a nosy asshole. Why should it matter if I go to meet my teacher? If he’s got top-secret bullshit to handle?

He’s not flirting with the bullshit.

How would we know if he did?

You’re deflecting.

And he’s being a possessive ass. Shut up!

I was surprised when Mr. Brickman suggested we meet at The Purple Cup. I figured he’d pick somewhere in town until I remembered the shit hole doesn’t have a coffee shop.

I’ve not seen Amy since I told her we weren’t friends. Hopefully, she doesn’t make it awkward. I don’t need a teacher of mine involved in silly girl drama.

I park in the gravel lot around a quarter til 12. My lack of sleep last night is starting to weigh on me. I yawn, ignoring Vex’s fifth call since he stormed out after me this morning.

Just because a guy sticks his P in a girl's V, doesn’t mean he gets to turn into a possessive ogre. Honestly, I could give two shits about his boys only meeting. I only yelled because he told me I wasn’tallowedto do what I wanted.

I glance at the time, debating over calling Nolan, when I notice a text from Hendrix.

Hendrix: I’ll be home this evening. Dinner at 6.

Me: Fine

I gasp, dropping my phone when my hand flies to cover my racing heart.

“Did I scare you?” Mr. Brickman’s voice leaks through the glass.

Inhaling deeply, rolling down my window. “I didn’t notice any cars,” I explain, glancing around the lot.

Motioning behind him with his thumb. “Oh, I live close by. So I walked,” he informs me.

“Give me just a second,” I tell him before rolling up the window.

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